Three ways to use NoteKiln
Run a local model on your computer, subscribe and pay as you go, or use your own API key. All three give you the full NoteKiln experience. Pick whatever fits you best.
Local model
Run the AI on your own computer. Nothing ever touches the cloud, not even your questions.
No API costs of any kind
- Full access to all NoteKiln features
- Runs entirely on your own computer
- Nothing ever leaves your machine, not even your questions
- No internet required after setup
- No account required
NoteKiln Account
The easiest way to get started. No API key, no setup.
Launching soon
- Full access to all NoteKiln features
- No API key needed, nothing to set up
- Pay only for what you use, plus a small fee on top
- Set your own monthly spending cap
- Access to new features as they ship
Your Own API Key
Use your own API key. Calls go straight to the AI, nothing in between.
Anthropic charges you per use
- Full access to all NoteKiln features
- Use your own API key
- Pay only what the AI provider charges you, nothing extra from us
- Best AI quality available
- No account required
All three modes are included in the same download.
Whichever mode you pick, your notes stay on your machine. With a NoteKiln account, only your question and the relevant excerpts pass through our servers on the way to the AI. With your own key, queries go straight to the AI provider. With a local model, nothing leaves your machine at all.
Common questions
Which mode should I pick?
All three are easy to get going. If you already have your own API key, use it. Calls go straight to the AI with nothing in between. If you'd rather skip managing an API key, subscribe: we charge what the AI actually costs you plus a small amount to cover fees (roughly 10%), and you set a monthly cap so you're never surprised. If you want it completely free and private, run a local model on your computer. The AI may not be as sharp, but nothing ever leaves your machine. You can switch modes at any time from NoteKiln's settings.
What local models are supported?
NoteKiln works with any Ollama-compatible local model. Performance depends on your computer's hardware and which model you choose. Start with a mid-size model and go from there.
Can NoteKiln see my notes or study materials?
Never. All your content stays on your machine in a local folder. With your own API key, queries go straight from your computer to the AI provider without touching our servers. In local mode nothing leaves your machine at all. With a NoteKiln account, only your question and the relevant excerpts pass through our servers on the way to the AI; your full notes stay on your computer.
How much does using your own key actually cost?
NoteKiln uses Claude models when you use your own key. See Anthropic's pricing page for current rates. Costs vary by model and how much you use it.